Orange Dreamsicle Mini-Cupcakes

This ever-so-mildly alcoholic cupcakes made a great new year's eve snackable. The alcohol comes in the frosting, where it is not baked away, but is really a negligible amount comparable to using any-flavored extract in frosting. Regardless, it's fun and festive to say they're alcoholic for some occasions.

Williams-Sonoma's Vanilla Cupcakes recipe served as the base for these. I omit the vanilla in the recipe, and add 1 Tbsp of orange liqueur. I used Grand Marnier for the liqueur, but any orange-flavored liqueur should do. Using one tablespoon makes for subtle flavoring, which I wanted. In fact, with the frosting, it was hard to tell whether the cupcakes tasted like orange at all. You can increase the orange liquor in the batter if you like, but I wouldn't exceed 2 Tbsp. To bake, line or butter a 2-dozen mini-muffin pan, and fill each well/liner with 1 Tbsp of batter. Bake at the recipe's 350 degrees for 14 (not 18) minutes or until slightly golden and test clean.

For the frosting (which is the important part for these cupcakes), cream 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter with a stand or hand mixer. Add 1/2 cup of powdered sugar at a time until the frosting reaches your desired taste and consistency (1-3 cups), adding a splash of cream or milk as needed to keep smooth. Once the desired consistency is achieved, add 1/2 tsp of vanilla extract and mix until incorporated. At this point remove 1/8-1/4 of the frosting (~1/2 cup) and set aside.

To the remaining frosting, add the orange liquor, 1-2 Tbsp, depending on how strong you'd like the orange flavor, and mix until incorporated. Add yellow food coloring a drop or two at a time until the frosting is a noticable yellow. Add red food coloring one drop at a time until the frosting turns orange. You may add more or less food coloring depending on how vibrant or pastel you would like the frosting.

To the ~1/2 cup of frosting previously set aside, add 1/4 tsp of vanilla extract and stir to incorporate.

Now to frost adorably.

Fit a piping bag with a wide round tip, or snip the corner off a large ziploc bag. Spoon the orange frosting into the bag. Frost the cupcakes in a shallow spiral from the outside in. Try to keep the frosting fairly flat on the cupcake. Clean the piping bag or grab another plastic bag and fit with a decorative tip, or the same wide round tip. Pipe a dollop, star, rose, or whatever shape you please of the white vanilla frosting onto the center of each cupcake.

Marvel in your baking prowess, share, and enjoy.

That's right... marvel in your baking prowess.